An East Nowra woman has been ordered to pay nearly $15,000 over the poor treatment of her wolfhound dog and its five tiny pups, after the flea-ridden animal was found severely underweight and tied to a tree.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Suzette Brignell after she failed to appear in Nowra Local Court on Friday over three charges of animal cruelty and one count of obstructing RSPCA officers.
She was found guilty in her absence and ordered to pay the hefty costs, along with a $1000 fine for failing to provide veterinary treatment for the dogs.
Two RSPCA inspectors attended the woman's home on October 2 last year and found the mother dog in poor condition, with her hips and ribs prominent. The mother was suckling several five-day-old puppies.
When Brignell refused to hand over the animals, police were called and the dogs were taken.
A veterinary examination showed the mother was severely underweight and suffering a uterine infection. The pups were in good condition.
Custody of the animals was awarded to the RSPCA.